Governor Walz Outlines Public Safety Proposals
Days before this year’s legislative session begins, we are learning more about what lawmakers will be advocating for. Fighting crime appears to be at the top of that list.
Wednesday, DFL Governor Tim Walz outlined his plans for public safety.
“It’s not enough to ring your hands and say it’s unacceptable for crime. Of course it’s unacceptable,” Walz said. “The victims of crime across the board deserve better. But to simply say that and not use proven data and proven ways of doing it doesn’t get us there.”
The governor’s proposed initiatives include giving $300 million to cities, counties and tribes over the next three years to address public safety needs.
Governor Walz says that in his plan, the average city in Minnesota would receive about $240,000 in annual public safety aid.
Walz also suggested offering retention incentives for law enforcement, student loan financing, and an advertising campaign aimed at getting more people to choose law enforcement as a career.
His budget would also put millions toward community policing grants, community-based crime prevention strategies and youth employment programs.
Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden released a statement to CCX News about the governor’s proposals:
“I am grateful that Governor Walz and his staff have taken time recently to meet with a group of neighboring chiefs and I to discuss these important issues. We all hope to continue to meet and have those conversations with anyone who wants to continue the discussion on finding ways to reduce violent crime in all our communities. We believe the conversations go beyond just the money but are pleased and grateful for this start in the right direction.”
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